By Jane Garfinkel - Review Response Specialist
(Editor's note: GMB was renamed Google Business Profile on 11/4/21).
When people head to the internet to find a car dealership, a hair salon, or any other local service, they are most likely going to use Google and they are most likely going to click a link on the first page.
The basic question is - how do I get my business on Google in the first place?
Having a Google My Business page is vital for businesses looking to improve their local SEO ranking and get a shot at that top spot. Luckily, setting up a GMB page is free and only takes a few minutes. Below are the step-by-step instructions for creating your own listing on Google My Business.
How to Create a Google My Business Listing
Create a new Google Account or access your Google My Business Login, if you already have one set up.
Visit google.com/business and click “Manage Now”
3. Type in your business name
4. Fill in the address of your business
5. Add your service areas
6. Select your business category
7. Add a website and phone number
8. Click Finish
9. Verify your address
After clicking “Finish” there is actually one final step to establishing your GMB: verifying your address. Most businesses choose to have a postcard sent to their location which contains a code that is then entered into your GMB account. Certain businesses qualify for phone or email verification, while still others will have instant verification. To find out which option your business should use, Google has more information here.
Once you’ve verified your address, it’s time to optimize your GMB by adding photos, business hours, and other details. Keep your page up-to-date so that potential customers know where and how to contact you. Remember to stay on top of your Google reviews and Google Questions and Answers as well. Responding to your customers online boosts your SEO and increases the visibility of your site.
Learn more about GMB with Widewail Academy. Master the basics with the GMB 101 course and then hone advanced techniques with GMB 201.